THE WALL OF FACES

I knew something was wrong when I saw the radio operator’s face. He handed me the mike attached to the bulky radio strapped on his back. The private, new in-country, made no eye contact and was hesitant in his actions.

I identified myself by a “call sign” and heard someone say in a code that the leader of the third platoon had just been wounded and that I was ordered to move my first platoon to give him assistance.

First Lieutenant Victor Lee Ellinger had been shot by a Viet Cong sniper. He was the best of the three platoon leaders in our Company C of some battalion of the 25th Division. (I can’t remember the name of the battalion, which operated near Cu Chi.

Vic was a college-educated, good-looking “good old boy” with a thick head of blond hair and a Southern draw that got you to like him on first meeting. Had a large, bushy golden mustache, and a “swagger” about him that spelled out a “natural-born leader.” Just like his namesake from his home state, Virginia, Robert E. Lee. Vic hailed from Staunton, Va.

He was always on the ball and commanded respect from all his men, and wasn’t afraid to “raise hell” like a drill sergeant when a slacker needed a little extra encouragement to do his duty, even if it only meant to “police” the area so the enemy could not find evidence of our movements, or worse yet, set a booby trap to a discarded C-ration can or an empty cardboard box that once held four loose cigarettes.

So, when I heard Vic was “down,” I pushed myself harder than I ever did — force-marching my platoon to close the distance to get to him. Not sure how far we marched in the hot jungle creating our own path, with me walking point part of the way in my haste to help.

We got to his position. And, we were too late. Vic had died. Two of my men were medevaced out due to heat exhaustion they suffered during the march.

Never did find out the details of his death. We remained in the “bush” for several days until returning to the “rear” base camp, where we attended a brief ceremony for Vic. My company commander said very little to the remaining two junior officers, even though we — I — had lost one of the closest friends we’d ever have in Vietnam. I never had the time to process Vic’s death. But I did visit his gravesite and leave a wreath and a prayer!

I am also happy to report that my 5-year-old grandson, Jameson, has the same biorhythm as Vic. Both were born on August 23rd!

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning,
We will remember them.

First Lieutenant Victor Lee Ellinger, Served with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, United States Army Vietnam.

Dear Lt Victor Ellinger,
Thank you for your service as an Infantry Unit Commander. Your 72nd birthday is coming soon. Happy Birthday. We remember all you who gave their all. It has been too long, and it's about time for us all to acknowledge the sacrifices of those like you who answered our nation's call. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage and faithfulness. Rest in peace with the angels.

https://contoveros.com/2010/04/23/war-guilt-haunts-veteran-year-after-year/